The captain of the Australia Test team, Pat Cummins, has again begun his bowling practice at the nets, which has given rise to the belief that the player could be back for the 2025–26 Ashes series. This series, that is the most crucial one, will see the first game being played in Perth from 21st November and although Cummins will miss this first Test because of the back injury, the progress of his healing seems to be rather good.
Pat Cummins Very Optimistic Regarding the Second Test Against England
Sky News Australia has reported that a light bowling program is part of Cummins’ rehabilitation and he is targeting the second Test in Brisbane for being fit. More importantly, the 32-year-old fast bowler has been under treatment for a lumbar bone stress injury, which is why he has been out since the third Test against the West Indies in July. Australia’s heavy reliance on the pace attack during the Ashes makes the fast bowler’s return to bowling a good sign for them.
What is also to be mentioned is that Pat Cummins will not play in the first Test, and Steve Smith will be the captain instead. Smith has a very good record as a stand-in captain, since he has won five and drawn one in the previous matches while leading Australia. The official list of players for the Perth Test is likely to be announced next week.
In the absence of Cummins, it is Scott Boland who would get the chance to take Cummins’ place in the team. The 36-year-old has been one of the most effective Australian bowlers in home conditions with an extraordinary average of 12.63 and taking 49 wickets in just nine Tests. Boland became famous when he took 6 wickets for just 7 runs in the Melbourne Ashes Test 2021, which led to Australia winning the series. He is going to be part of the opening match along with Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc to be the frontline pacers.
For now, Cummins’ fitness will keep being evaluated over the next weeks while he is going through a four-week bowling program. If everything goes well with his recovery, Australia might have him back on the field for the second Test.
